Researchers Found an Affordable Way to Keep Quantum Computers Cool

Designed to keep quantum computers cool, this electron refrigerator was developed by Aalto University researchers in Finland. The quantum computing and devices group invented a way to fire electrons through nano-sized tunnels in order to address the issue of heat production. Unlike other computers that use fans to keep units from overheating, the scale of nano computers means the tiniest fluctuations could result in unreliable errors.

The built-in nano-refrigerating system cools down the quantum bit in a way that is affordable, especially compared to maintaining quantum computers at what is referred to as near-absolute zero conditions. The quantum-circuit refrigerator is explained in further detail in the academic journal Nature Communications.

This is just one example of the possibilities ahead for nano computing.